“Up-and-down rookie season” is an apt description of Drake Powell’s first year with the Nets.
Of the Nets’ record haul of five first-round picks last June, Powell was the most athletic, but also the most raw on offense. His growing pains on that end of the floor have been protracted and pronounced.
But Powell’s performance in Sunday night’s 116-99 victory over visiting Sacramento — helping the Nets snap a league-worst 10-game losing skid — was not only an encouraging sign, but his best game as a professional.
“Just trusting my work, obviously, just trusting my teammates as well,” Powell said. “They made some great passes, and then just trusting my coaches, too.”